Mr. Sato leads an office roundtable discussion on weird things Japanese schools have said “Nope, you can’t do that” about.
Casey Baseel
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Casey Baseel spent his formative years staring in frustration at un-subtitled Japanese TV programming shown on Southern California’s international channel. Taking matters into his own hands, he moved to Tokyo to study the language, then found work in Yokohama a decade ago teaching, translating, and marketing hotels he can’t afford to stay in. When not participating in the eternal cycle of exercising to burn the calories form his love of Japanese food, Casey scours used comic and game shops for forgotten classics, drags his wife around the country in a quest to visit all its castles, sings karaoke not nearly as well as he thinks he does, and counts the days until the summertime bars open on Enoshima Beach.
Posted by Casey Baseel (Page 17)
Mister Donut is Japan’s most broadly loved donut chain, but this kind of behavior is more divisive.
Cherry blossom donuts scheduled to arrive well before the cherry blossoms themselves, but we’re not complaining.
The Minato Mirai neighborhood is looking extra futuristic with Eva light-up and fireworks.
![McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/me-0.jpg?w=640 "McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]")
Ellen-sensei is the latest otaku spokesperson for McDonald’s, but there’s one organization she’d never endorse.
In-home trespassing, public urination, and other bad manners bring an end to a local tradition.
Some employers want to flip the script to indirectly get rid of workers they don’t want, company says.
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
There’s plenty of space to stretch out, but not much time to spare if you want to have this unique Japan travel experience.
Mr. Sato dreams up an innovative way to ensure good luck and give yourself an excuse to eat fried chicken.
The return of the sakura and the arrival of sakura beer are both annual events, but their timing doesn’t have to match.
Local residents’ complaints about bad-mannered tourists prompt pledges from mayor to consider tighten regulations.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Gama Land, the weird Japanese amusement park celebrating toads, is now like a ghost town
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches
Weekly
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls- Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Monthly
- New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Yearly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches
7-Eleven Japan debuts new black-and-white rice ball packaging…but is it because of a naphtha shortage?
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
That time when we fowled out while fighting our feathered friends
Studio Ghibli turns anime characters into “Friendly Bags” for merchandise range in Japan
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Tokyo has a cafe that prohibits talking inside, and here’s why it’s awesome
Japan’s Pikachu and Eevee Pokémon mailboxes to be removed at end of month
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